:O... :O... :O... :O... :O...OMG! 45 reviews! 84 alerts! And I thought PT was popular! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! Sorry this took way too long but because of deadlines, exams and performances I just haven't had the time :( and I probably won't be able to write the next chapter till next Friday (cause that's when Art CW will be in) sorry :( Also sorry this is short but I thought I should upload something and it has a neat ending.

Thank you to Susie666 for everything.

The forest was unnaturally quiet and Merlin shuddered at the implication – something historic was soon to happen and the forest was waiting in anticipation.

Arthur had bounded into his room, grabbed Merlin and informed him of his father's plan; all the while Merlin's eyes had nervously searched every shadow for any sign of a smirk, or hem of a dress. Morgana had always had a habit of listening into conversations she wasn't invited to. He had been relieved and a little suspicious to find that she was nowhere around.

Arthur hadn't told him how the test would show if Brotec was Emrys or not, just that if he was then they'd have to kill him. Merlin had wondered how Arthur thought that he was going to accomplish this, Emrys being all powerful and no offense to the prat but a shiny, metal, pointy thing isn't going to even scratch a powerful sorcerer, no matter how much Arthur and his father wish it to.

Under Merlin's foot a twig snapped loudly and Arthur, a few paces ahead, turned to glare at him. The prince had decided not to bring horses in aid of their disguise – they were only peasants with meagre magical ability after all.

The servant just gave a shrug in response, as if to say 'It's not my fault', Arthur just rolled his eyes and they continued their journey. It would take them about two days to get to the cave, and the test was in three so hopefully they would arrive with plenty of time to spare...if nothing goes wrong of course, but who was Merlin kidding, they always go wrong.

As if on cue both Arthur and Merlin spun round on the spot when they heard another twig snap, this time not from the warlock, to face about a dozen bandits. Merlin almost rolled his eyes; yeah, these things always go wrong.

"So are you going to run and hide behind a tree this time Merlin or are you going to help for once?"

Merlin stared incredulously at the prince, that ungrateful, pompous, ego-centric, arrogant, obnoxi- however wasn't able to finish his small rant when Arthur pulled him out of the way of a descending sword, one that would certainly have killed him.

Merlin scampered off of the floor, just in time to escape another well aimed swing. He could hear Arthur's sword violently clash with the enemies', and all he could think was protect Arthur so he turned to his prince, ready to stop any sneaky bandit that tried to hurt the prat.

His eyes shone for a second as a branch fell on one of the bandits ready to strike Arthur, the prince turning to glance at the fallen man and just brushed it off as luck, Merlin fought to stop his eyes once again from rolling, Arthur always did that, although he wasn't exactly complaining – it did make his job a whole lot easier.

The warlock turned his attention back to his attackers and missed another well aimed jab. This was getting ridiculous, he really needed to find a sword and quick, and so he turned to a fallen bandit and ran to take his sword. He didn't hear Arthur's shout until it was too late and with the prince on the other side of the mini battle field and the sword still not close enough to grab, he had no choice but to turn to the swooping blade and whisper a spell, praying the prat didn't notice.

However, before he could even start his magic, another sword came up, connecting with the enemy's, and with a mighty push the man forced the bandit back. Merlin had thought he would be met by golden locks and shiny armour, even though Arthur had been too far away, instead the hair was brown and he had no armour. Merlin's confused expression turned to a beaming smile as he realised who it was – Gwaine. Merlin continued his way to the sword, and then went back to help with the remaining bandits, even though his abilities came nowhere close to Arthur and Gwaine's.

The fight didn't last very long, especially when the remaining bandits realised they wouldn't win against the talented swordsmen and ran for it. As the last man darted out of sight, Arthur finally turned to Gwaine.

"What are you doing here?" The prince asked suspiciously, his eyes narrowing.

Gwaine smirked "Well it's good to see you too, princess"

Merlin, knowing an argument was soon to happen, interrupted the prince before he could say anything in return.

"Arthur can't you just say thanks?" Although truthfully Merlin doubted he could. He turned to Gwaine, his brow creased. "Still, he does have a point, what are you doing here?"

"Well I heard about this test for some sorcerer and all and then I heard of all these powerful, scary dudes and I just knew his royal highness was going to try something, and that he was going to drag you along and well I couldn't just let my only friend get fried, now could I?" Gwaine said cheerily, his cheeky smile fixed in place, though Merlin still heard the underlining seriousness and concern, Gwaine just shrugged "...and life's just more interesting when I'm with you two...more adrenaline pumping."

"Well we could always use the help" Although Merlin didn't want his friend in danger; he knew bringing him would up their chances of survival...or decrease them, depending on how close a tavern was to the cave - Merlin highly doubted there was.

"You've got to be kidding me, Gwaine would blow our cover."

"Why thank you sire, but don't you think a pratty prince who they all want dead is going to draw even more attention than me, a handsome, charming swordsman, who will get all the girls swooning?" Arthur scoffed as Merlin tried had to hold back a smile. "...hmmm maybe you're right, I could blow our cover but at least their response to me would mean a very good time, you on the other hand wouldn't, unless of course you favourite day out is having your head chopped off, then by all means, run along, I won't stop you."

Arthur just glared at him, then realising something he asked warily "We're still within Camelot's borders."

"Congratulations sire, it must be wonderful knowing where your own kingdom starts and ends." Merlin just started at the two men, fighting a losing battle to keep his laughter in.

"You know what I mean, you are banished, or did you forget that?"

"I wish, but alas no, those boots still haunt me to this very day! However, if you want to make the trek all the way back to Camelot and hand me over to your father just to have me executed, then by all means go, I won't stop you, although I think I should warn you, I won't be coming with you, I've seen your castle already and it's not that impressive."

Merlin choked as he tried to stop yet another fit of laughter, especially when Arthur raised his eye brows, not knowing whether to be amused or offended.

"Anyway" Gwaine continued "the border's not that far from here."

Arthur's shoulders dropped in defeat, and walked past both Merlin and Gwaine, not sparing either of them a look as he continued in the direction of the cave.

Gwaine patted Merlin on the back as they shared a quick hug and then made to follow the prat. The servant just sighed; this was going to be a long trip.

Well that was my first sword fight, any good? How do you feel about Gwaine being added to the mix? Good? Bad? I thought it might spice things up a bit and add a little humour to the story before the angst kicks in (Please Review!) :)

LL x